What's up with THQ Nordic?

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Remember THQ? Facilitators of bland WWE simulators, ship-sinking drawing peripherals but also the occasional great game (Saints Row! Red Faction Guerrilla! Darksiders!). Well, it seems THQ is back? Or, are they?

THQ Nordic, established itself as such in 2016, after its former self Nordic Games scavenged through the beneficial properties and licences that THQ had after the uDraw implosion of 2011-2012. THQ destroying itself from an ill-guided accessory push onto the PS3 and Xbox 360 after a fairly decent success on the Wii was sad for a company that was a mainstay in video games for decades. Not only did the company just delete itself quickly after their precipitous fall, but it also signaled an end to the middle class of retail video games, THQ was rarely putting out mind-blowing games, but was always putting out decent stuff. Because of this, when THQ did hit with titles like Saints Row The Third, Darksiders or Red Faction Guerrilla it was affirmation that THQ had the developers and the wherewithal to escape the muddy middle and surprise with a great game.

THQ Nordic is picking up the retail middle class, or double A or whatever it’s called that has left the gaming world in the past decade or so, by, well, basically becoming THQ again. Not only did they go dumpster diving at THQ in 2013 purchasing a library of franchises that maybe didn’t move the world but are beloved by many, they now have bought Koch Media, owners of Deep Silver whom had gained control Volition (makers of Saints Row) after THQ’s fire sale, along with Dead Island, Metro and Homefront. All these games are known by many, but maybe never had that breakthrough game. That’s what makes this so fascinating for THQ Nordic, they have twice now bought low (THQ and Koch Media) on established IP’s and talented development studios which has set them up to say, “Hey remember Red Faction, here is what Geo-Mod (the destruction engine used most famously with Red Faction Guerrilla) in 4K on an Xbox One X” which if announced at an E3 or something of the like, could create a fervor for a franchise that is fondly remembered and set THQ Nordic up for a big hit. This purchase has already netted them a game that is potentially on the verge of doing this already in Metro Exodus. The two previous Metro games have built an audience but never made that breakthrough, but Metro Exodus seems to have peaked interest from Metro intrigued gamers that are aware of the franchise and the hook of those games but maybe never really got into them for one reason or another. This same blueprint has brought quick and strong sales from a game this year with Monster Hunter World becoming Capcom’s fastest selling game ever. Monster Hunter may be the epitome of a franchise that was consistent and beloved by its fans, but taking it off handhelds and diluting bizzare and complex formula of menus and systems into something more understandable has created a monster hit early in 2018.

There is no doubt that THQ Nordic wants to do what Capcom did with Monster Hunter, and I for one believe they are primed to do so. Bringing back Red Faction, Saints Row, Darksiders, Dead Island and improving on the fondly remembered elements of those titles can create big success for this company. They have even put themselves in a position, now with a stable of solid development teams and franchises, to make a big splash at E3 if not this year then perhaps starting next year by having an event or conference or releasing a video package akin to Bethesda the last couple of years. Just the simple fact of THQ Nordic being able to drop new AAA titles from revered franchises and new IP into a third party retail field dominated by a handful of companies that have all come under fire in recent years puts them in striking range to establish themselves.